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Best transformer for Lionel CC F3?

E E-RockOGR Forum Member

Good old St. Nick just might leave a Lionel CC 2185W F3 set under the Christmas tree this year...and I'm thinking that he may need to leave a new transformer as well.  We currently have a carpet-central layout with about 25ft. of FasTrack powered by a first-generation CW-80 (non-"G").  We run conventional only and have no plans to move to Legacy/TMCC any time soon.  We have few accessories (gateman, uncoupling track).  We also may expand the layout (one loop) to about 50ft. of track as well....

 

I've watched the recent Lionel video on pure-sine wave transformers vs. chopped-wave transformers, and I do understand the benefits of chopped-wave power for most "modern" Lionel engines.  However, the Conventional Classics F3's have dual Pullmor motors similar to vintage postwar engines, so I'm wondering if chopped-wave power is the best choice for a CC engine?  We also have a few PW diesels inherited from my father-in-law that we'd like to run as well.  And we do like to run Thomas the Tank Engine from time to time to amuse our youngest.

 

I'm thinking about the new GW-180, but not sure if we need that much power/performance?  Will our CW-80 be more than adequate for the new F3?  Vintage RW or KW?  Other suggestions?

 

Thanks in advance!

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Dennis HollerDennis HollerOGR Forum Member

The originals ran wonderfully with Z's, ZW's, KW's, TW's, etc.. you can't go wrong with any of those.  Based on using a few starter set CW-80's to run F'3's and similar engine's, I don't think it will be sufficient.  If you must have a new transformer, I am sure any of the larger ones will be sufficient as well.  Just remember the old adage of the hotrodders, "Too many cubic inches is just right"......

DH Dale HOGR Forum Member

Most any starter set transformer should be adequate. The existing CW 80 should be fine unless you need to power a lot of accessories or run 2 trains.. There is a theoretical advantage of the chopped wave in some conventional running applications but the difference is over rated IMO.  A chopped sine waved transformer is fine but not universal however,some MTH engines will not run correctly on it.

 

Dale H

L LS1HeliOGR Forum Member

I agree. I was considering the GW180 and then I saw the price. No way am I paying for a CW80 with a powerpack. You can get a CW80 on eBay for $30.

 

Keep in mind that the CC engines have electronic boards in them. The motors may run better on a pure sine wave, but engine functions will work better with a chopper.

 

I have found that the new electronic xfmrs have much smoother speed step as well. I have always been a PW ZW guy, but the speed step and speed transition is very 50's technology.

 

 

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